“Alaska Airlines, through its numerous environmental and corporative giving initiatives, has benefited the people and communities in which it serves, as well as has brought credit to the industry as a whole.”

Alaska Airlines was noted for its leadership in technology and customer innovations.

The 75-year old airline leads with its work on satellite-based navigation procedures.

Its “Airport of the Future” is described as a “more efficient check-in process than the traditional ticket counter for travelers and airline workers.”

The generosity of Alaska Airline’s employees also drew attention.

The airline’s 9.600 employees volunteered more than 8,000 hours in 2010 and donated $5.6 million in corporate giving to such organizations as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Special Olympics.

“We’re honored and very proud to receive this award,” Alaska Airlines President